Miss America 2008 - Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund is crowned

28 January 2008 - Kirsten Haglund has been celebrating with her family after being crowned Miss America 2008.

Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash was the first runner-up and Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto was the second runner-up.

Kirsten told CNN.com: "The only words that come to my mind is that this is a dream come true, not just for me but for my family as well

"I'm not just standing up here alone."

She added: "I think for the audience, the swimwear and evening wear was much more entertaining, am I right?"

Kirsten has won a $50,000 scholarship and a year of travel while she promotes the Miss America competition and the Children's Miracle Network.

She will also be raising awareness of eating disorders.